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FIFA Strips Indonesia of U-20 World Cup Hosting Rights For Refusing To Host Israel
Protesters march in Jakarta against the Israeli team’s participation in the FIFA World Cup Under-20 in Indonesia
FIFA has removed Indonesia as host after the island of Bali refused to host Israel for tournament draw; new host to be announced soon.
Indonesia has been stripped of the right to host the Under-20 football World Cup, FIFA has said in a statement after protests against Israel’s participation led to the cancellation of the tournament’s main draw.
Global football’s governing body announced its decision on Wednesday, following a meeting with the Indonesian football federation’s (PSSI) President Erick Thohir, and said a new host country would be announced “as soon as possible” with the tournament set to start on May 20.
PSSI had cancelled the draw for the tournament on Sunday, after the governor of the largely Hindu island of Bali refused to host Israel’s team.
FIFA removes Indonesia as host of FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023™
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) March 29, 2023
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation and does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, while publicly supporting the Palestinian cause.
“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” a FIFA statement said.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.”
Earlier this month, protesters marched in the capital Jakarta waving Indonesian and Palestinian flags and demanding Israel not be allowed to participate.
“Indonesia is a FIFA member, so for any international soccer matters, we have to abide by the rules,” Thohir said in a statement on PSSI’s website.
“I ask all football lovers to keep their heads held high over this tough decision by FIFA. It’s time we proved to FIFA to work harder to transform soccer, towards clean and high-achieving soccer.”
On Tuesday, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo spoke against mixing matters of “sports and politics”.
“I hereby guarantee Israel’s participation has nothing to do with the consistency of our foreign policy position towards Palestine, because our support for Palestine is always strong and sturdy,” he said in a livestreamed address.
Economic loss and fear of sanctions
The PSSI said losing hosting rights would harm Indonesian football teams’ chances of taking part in other FIFA tournaments, while the economic losses would amount to “trillions of rupiah”.
The Indonesian football federation could be further disciplined by FIFA. A suspension could remove Indonesia from Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which starts in October.
FIFA and public authorities in Indonesia agreed to FIFA’s hosting requirements in 2019 before being selected to stage the 2021 edition of the Under-20 World Cup. The coronavirus pandemic forced the tournament to be postponed for two years.
As host, Indonesia automatically qualified for the Under-20 World Cup, but it has not played in the tournament since 1979.
Israel qualified for its first Under-20 World Cup in June.
It is unclear who could now host the tournament, which was scheduled to be played in six stadiums in Indonesia.
Argentina, which did not qualify for the tournament, is reportedly interested in hosting.
FIFA said that it was committed to aiding the PSSI following a deadly stampede last year that led to the deaths of 135 spectators at a stadium in East Java in October.
“Members of the FIFA team will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI, under the leadership of President Thohir,” FIFA said in the statement.
“A new meeting between the FIFA President and the PSSI President for further discussions will be scheduled shortly.”
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Nigerian Afrobeats artist and songwriter OJ Sular is bringing his energy, ambition, and street-inspired sound to listeners with the release of his single, Money Vibe. The track reflects his journey, determination, and vision of success while showcasing the unique style that continues to define his growing career.
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About OJ Sular
OJ Sular, born Ojukwu Samuel Arinzechukwu, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist from Enugu State. Known for blending Afrobeats, Afropop, Hip Hop, and Drill, he has established himself as an independent artist with a growing fan base. Performing under the names OJ Sular and Big OJ, he is also the founder of OJ Entertainment, where he continues to create music that inspires, entertains, and represents the voice of a new generation.
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The night was elevated further Jägermeister, Belaire, Lightspeed, MyFlex Tickets, and Buzz & Bants, all of whom helped shape a complete celebration of music, culture, and connection. The event also had backing from The Scar Production, The Scar Bookings, and SDGV Audio. Between signature drink moments, Jäger Energizers making their way through the crowd, and a smoothly run event experience, there was something to enjoy at every turn.
The Scar Radio was founded in 2020 by Fabulous Fabuyi Adeniyi and operates from its studio in Lagos, with network branches in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is part of The Scar Global Group, which includes The Scar Production, The Scar Bookings, SCAR XYZ, and The Scar Accessories. Over the years, the radio station has served as a home for global talents and a launch pad for budding creatives and artistes.
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